TIP #1: The Proper Grip (or How to Hold the Golf Club)

by Dr. Golf

Hold your hands in front of your chin, palms facing each other, elbows relaxed,
the back of the left hand and the right palm facing the target. This relationship
of your hands should never change. Move your left hand away from you so that
the left thumb rests in the lifeline of your right palm. The left thumb will
now be just under and below the right thumb.

Intertwine the right pinky between the index and middle finger of your left
hand. The V formed by the index finger and middle finger of your left hand
points at your right shoulder. The V of the right hand points at your chin.
If this is not obvious, roll the entire left wrist(not just the thumb) so
that the left thumb is at one o'clock. Roll your right wrist to the left so
that your right thumb is at eleven o'clock. The thumbs should never be on
top of the shaft except when putting. The shaft lies in the fingertips of
both hands, not the palms.

When held properly, the butt end of the grip rests under the fatty part of
your left hand, at the base of your pinky; the shaft rests in the first joint
of your left index finger.

You should be able to lift the club comfortably from this position with just
your left hand. Here's how: Start with the club at your left side your left
fore-arm and shaft in a relatively straight line. Lift the club off the ground
with your left index finger. Your left forearm is now parallel to the ground;
the shaft is at an angle of about 30 degrees,pointing up. To place your right
hand on the club, Do NOT bring your left hand to your right!! You must bring
your right hand to the left. Lower your right shoulder slightly so that your
upper body tilts to the right. Lower the right shoulder, do NOT raise the
left shoulder.

With both hands on the club, bring your hands and club in front of your chin
again. If you can see two knuckles of your left hand and two knuckles of your
right hand, you're off to a great start. You now have THE PROPER GRIP.

Read this slowly and carefully, one position at a time doing each hand position
as suggested in the order as written. You should repeat these moves over and
over until it becomes natural. Practice is essential to make it happen.

Til Next Time,Dr. Golf

Any questions regarding the above or anything else can be
mailed to: golfxr@usa.net
or you may call 770-393-3069. Private lessons are available at
a reasonable rate.